Port A Shade

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a specially designed umbrella specifically configured to provide consumers ample protection from outside elements while affording them free use of their hands. Designed to be worn on the body with a simple backpack like carrier, The Port A Shade umbrella comprises a lightweight plastic or metal framework and an ample canopy that is weather resistant.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/687,151 filed Apr. 19, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Port A Shade.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of umbrellas, and more specifically to the field of hands free umbrella for rain or sun shade.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for umbrellas. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,771 to David J. Perry describes a back supported umbrella holder for securing an umbrella in an operative position for a user, comprising a frame securable to the user's back and at least one receptacle for retaining the handle of a conventional umbrella. A fastening system is incorporated in the receptacle, having a pair of arms selectively movable between open and closed positions for enabling the user to insert the handle in the receptacle and secure the handle therein. In a first embodiment, the handles include rigid gripping members extending into the receptacle, which engage the umbrella shaft immediately adjacent the handle upon insertion of the handle into the receptacle. In a second embodiment, the gripping members are replaced with latch bolts having inclined upper surfaces, so that insertion of the handle automatically moves the arms to their open position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,464 to Armando De Vera describes an umbrella support harness assembly comprising a tubular structure having a telescoping umbrella slid ably position able down into a compartment formed within the tubular structure and sealable with a cap member. The tubular structure is attached to a plate that is provided with a harness system for attaching the plate to the back area of a wearer. The umbrella telescopes out of the tubular structure to extend over the head area of the wearer. A battery pack is provided for powering a safety light above the canopy of the umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,521 to Ronnie Hadley describes an umbrella supporting apparatus comprising a harness having shoulder straps, a waistband and a back-mounted umbrella support assembly which allows the canopy of the umbrella to be adjusted in two different planes. The back mounted umbrella support assembly includes a support plate mounted to the waistband and has a plurality of spaced key holes defining a first set of vertically displace positions or angles. The assembly includes a rotatable support bracket rotatably mounted to the support plate and a hollow rod coupled to the rotatable support bracket for supporting a shaft or pole of an umbrella. A locking lever is resiliently coupled to the rotatably support bracket. In operation, the rotatable support bracket is adapted to be rotated left or right and locked or secured to one of spaced key holes with a locking lever to vertically offset the hollow rod from vertically upright or align the hollow rod vertically upright. The rotatable support bracket is coupled to a pivot wheel for rotating the hollow rod backward or forward.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hands free umbrella to be used for rain or as a sun shade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional perspective view showing the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a functional perspective view showing the present invention in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a close up perspective view showing a flap that lifts up in windy conditions.

FIG. 4 shows the back harness, a handle and a hand operated remote control device.

FIG. 5 shows the semi-circular cross-sectional design of the casing.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up of the cap fitting onto the casing.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the cap fitting onto the casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Spending time outdoors is a popular activity for many people. Outdoor activity is an integral part of life for many people. Outdoor activity may be a father and son spending a lazy afternoon fishing for bass, a hunter patiently awaiting an approaching buck, or a soccer mom cheering her child on to victory. Countless people spend their work days behind desks, in cars or trucks, or working in mills and factories. Sunshine and the smell of grass is a refreshing change from closed in spaces and artificial light. Perhaps this is why so many people spend their free time in fresh air attending sporting events, going on overnight campouts or lounging in the sunshine with a good book. Flowers in bloom, fresh cut grass and fallen branches crunching under one's feet invigorate one's soul and revive one's senses after a hard day of work. Revitalizing the Spending time outside is a relaxing way to spend any day and revitalizes one's body, mind and spirit.

Although time spent in the fresh air is exhilarating, Mother Nature often gets in the way of one's scheduled outdoor activities. Heat from direct sunlight, rain, snow and sleet all put a damper on a planned afternoon outdoors. Many sporting events typically are played regardless of weather conditions. Parents and sports fans may endure increment and harsh outdoor elements to support their favorite player or team. As many moms and dads attest, sitting for hours on a hot bleacher directly under a blistering summer sun is a less than enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. In cold weather sports such as ice fishing, falling snow may make a fisherman's day uncomfortable, but no reputable fisherman can abandon a perch due to snow.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as The Port A Shade, is a specially designed portable shade umbrella for outdoor enthusiasts designed to provide adequate protection from weather elements including sun, snow and rain. The Port A Shade is a specially designed umbrella specifically configured to provide consumers ample protection from outside elements while affording them free use of their hands. Designed to be worn on the body with a simple backpack like carrier, The Port A Shade umbrella comprises a lightweight plastic or metal framework and an ample canopy 20 that is weather resistant. The Port A Shade is manufactured in a variety of sizes including an extra small version for children and a large version for adults. The Port A Shade is available in a variety of attractive colors and designs. Like standard umbrellas, the interior of an umbrella canopy is held open by a series of expandable rods which are designed to collapse and fold flat when not in use. These rods join together in the center of the canopy by a circularly shaped bracket. This bracket is further connected to a circular or semi-circular mounting which secures an umbrella handle to a canopy in standard umbrellas. Unlike standard umbrellas, a most notable component of The Port A Shade is a unique handle free design. In place of a single handle, The Port A Shade is connected to a harness 24 manufactured of lightweight and malleable canvas or nylon material. This harness comprises a cylindrically shaped casing 26 to be worn on one's back and designed expressly to hold the umbrella.

In an embodiment, snap buttons are placed on the harness to prevent entanglement of the harness straps.

In an embodiment, the cross section of the supporting rod and casing are semi-circular, shown in FIG. 5. The flat side 34 of the semi-circular rod and casing 26 can be equipped with padding 30 for the comfort of the user. The flat side 34 rests against the back of the user.

Contained within this casing is a holder in which the base of the umbrella is secured then easily accessed or retracted With a spring loaded mechanism.

In an embodiment, the casing comprises a zipper 40 for accessing the shoulder straps 42.

In an embodiment, the casing 26 further contains foldable legs 60 for allowing the device to be free-standing. This is shown in FIG. 5.

In an embodiment, the shoulder straps 42 comprise hooks 44 at each end for removing the straps, if desired.

In an embodiment, the lower edge of the canopy of the umbrella comprises multiple flaps 72 that lift up in windy conditions, allowing the wind to pass through, preventing the device from being blown away. This is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

In an embodiment, the retraction feature is controlled by a remote control device 76. The remote control device 76 itself can retract, or be inserted into the harness, for safety reasons. This is shown in FIG. 4.

In an embodiment the cap is removably attached to the casing by means of a safety strap 78 to prevent the cap 68 from falling or being lost.

In an embodiment, the bottom of the cap 84 and the top edge of the casing 82 which receives the cap 68 are lined with weather-resistant plastic or rubber.

The Port A Shade is worn over one's back in a similar manner as a backpack, being secured in place over one's body by means of two shoulder straps integrally attached to right and left top corners of the casing, dropping over one's shoulders and chest to connect to respective right and left bottom corners of the casing at one's waist. These adjustable shoulder straps are manufactured of canvas, nylon or a similar material and are reinforced for added stability. These straps contain integrated padding comprised of a malleable rubber material for facilitating optimal comfort during wear.

Use of The Port A Shade is very simple and straight forward. A user first selects an appropriately sized Port A Shade in a desired color or print. The user slips each arm through the adjustable shoulder straps, so the lightweight umbrella and casing is positioned on the back just below the shoulder blades. Making any necessary adjustments for comfort, the user accesses their umbrella, releases the umbrella handle using the spring loaded mechanism within the umbrella holder and opens the umbrella canopy fully over their head. Once donned and opened, the Port A Shade hovers comfortably over the user's head. The user then goes about a normal routine having both hands free to carry belongings or perform activities. The user's head and body are kept cool and protected from the sun, or kept dry and protected from rain or snow. After use, the umbrella is closed and returned to its position within the holder. Then the user removes the Port A Shade from their shoulders and stores it away in a closet or similar location until again needed. Lightweight, portable and affordable, the Port A Shade is a practical and invaluable accessory for both adults and children.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A hands free umbrella device to be used for rain or as a sun shade, comprising: a specially designed umbrella specifically configured to be worn on the body with a simple backpack like carrier, comprising a lightweight plastic or metal framework and an ample canopy that is weather resistant.
 2. The hands free umbrella device of claim 1, further comprising: an umbrella canopy held open by expandable rods which are designed to collapse and fold flat when not in use, wherein the rods join together in the center of the canopy by a circularly shaped bracket, and wherein the bracket is further connected to a circular or semi-circular mounting which secures to a harness wherein the harness comprises a cylindrically shaped casing to be worn on one's back and designed expressly to hold the umbrella, and wherein the casing has a cap.
 3. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, further comprising: snap buttons placed on the harness to prevent entanglement of the harness straps.
 4. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, wherein the cross section of the supporting rod and casing are semi-circular, and wherein the flat side of the semi-circular rod and casing can be equipped with padding for the comfort of the user, and wherein the flat side rests against the back of the user.
 5. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, further comprising: a holder in which the base of the umbrella is secured for easy access or retracted with a spring loaded mechanism contained within the casing.
 6. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, further comprising: multiple flaps that lift up in windy conditions, allowing the wind to pass through, preventing the device from being blown away, wherein the flap or flaps are positioned near the lower edge of the canopy of the umbrella.
 7. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, further comprising a retraction feature controlled by a remote control device, wherein the remote control device can retract, or be inserted into the harness.
 8. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, further comprising two adjustable shoulder straps integrally attached to right and left top corners of the casing, dropping over a user's shoulders and chest to connect to respective right and left bottom corners of the casing at the user's waist.
 9. The hands free umbrella device of claim 8, wherein the adjustable shoulder straps are manufactured of canvas, nylon or a similar material and are reinforced for added stability, and wherein the straps contain integrated padding comprised of a malleable rubber material for facilitating optimal comfort during wear.
 10. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, manufactured in a variety of sizes including an extra small version for children and a large version for adults.
 11. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, manufactured in a variety of attractive colors and designs.
 12. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, wherein the harness is manufactured of lightweight and malleable canvas or nylon material.
 13. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2 wherein the casing comprises a zipper for accessing the umbrella.
 14. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, wherein the casing further comprises foldable legs for allowing the device to be free-standing.
 15. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2, wherein the shoulder straps comprise hooks at each end of the straps.
 16. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2 wherein the cap is removably attached to the casing by means of a strap to prevent the cap from falling or being lost.
 17. The hands free umbrella device of claim 2 wherein the cap has a bottom and casing has a top edge and the bottom of the cap and the top edge of the casing which receives the cap are lined with weather-resistant plastic or rubber. 